SES issues flood watch for Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast

Thunderstorms are predicted across the Northern Rivers so make sure your emergency kits are stocked and ready to go.

Be prepared and make safe decisions, is the message from the SES with heavy weather expected on the Northern Rivers.

A flood watch was issued on Tuesday by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Northern River and Mid-North Coast of NSW.

The bureau said a low-pressure trough is expected to bring showers, rain and severe storms to the northern and central parts of NSW during Tuesday and Wednesday.

This rainfall may cause minor flooding along rivers in parts of the Northern Rivers and Mid-North Coast.

The weather system is expected to cause flooding for the catchments listed from Tuesday.

Members of the SES Lismore City Unit assisting residents after a tree crashed onto a roof in severe weather on December 15, 2020.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

• Tweed and Rouse Rivers: minor flooding
• Brunswick River and Marshalls Creek: minor flooding
• Wilsons River: minor flooding
• Richmond River: minor flooding
• Orara River: minor flooding
• Bellinger and Kalang Rivers: minor flooding

The SES Northern Zone Superintendent Mark Elm warned residents and visitors storms may bring heavy localised rainfall causing flash flooding in some areas.

“Riverine flooding is also a possibility in some river catchments in these areas,” he said.

Superintendent Elm urged residents to prepare their homes now.

“Bring in or secure any outdoor items in the yard or on the balcony, check your gutters are clear and your roof is in good condition, trim any overhanging branches and check your home emergency kit is stocked and ready to go,” he said.

Residents can access the Lismore Disaster Dashboard on https://disaster.lismore.nsw.gov.au/. Photo: Alison Paterson

“The next few days are going to be dangerous on the roads.

“Please slow down and take care when driving.

“If you come across a flooded road, please make the safe decision. Turn around, it’s just not worth the risk.”

A reminder for farmers

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) reminded farmers of the importance of testing water quality in tanks, dams, bores and rivers affected by flood water run-off.

NSW DPI EnviroAg Testing Service Coordinator, Sarah Morison, said impacted landholders were encouraged to assess the condition of on-farm water.

“After significant periods of rain or flooding, nutrient run-off from surrounding areas, sediment and bacteria can enter water sources and water quality can deteriorate,” said Mrs Morison.

Without correcting poor water quality, the performance of soil, pastures or crops and the health of livestock can decline to the point of being toxic, resulting in loss of production.

Campers should be on the ready

NSW SES advised campers to avoid camping close to rivers and creeks and monitor conditions.

Residents and visitors in caravan parks should prepare for forecast weather conditions.

Residents can monitor conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology’s website.